On February 27 Canada's federal government announced the 2018 budget, which earmarks over $440 million to support their goal to welcome 1,000,000 new immigrants from 2018 - 2020. Skilled, educated immigrants are critical to Canada's strategies to grow the economy and create new jobs.
The immigration budget will be primarily overseen by IRCC, and include:
- $31.8 million for gender equality for immigrant women over the next 3 years.
- $400 million to improve English and French language skills and help new immigrants integrate into Canadian society.
- $4.6 million allocated for the renewal and funding of Canada's Start-Up Visa Program. Launched in 2013 by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), to link innovative immigrant entrepreneurs with Canadian experienced private sector organizations that have expertise in working with start-ups.
In addition, the budget allocates $173 million for asylum seekers to Canada.
